Description / Abstract:

This specification covers manifold papers used in preparing
typewritten copies of permanent or
semipermanent records and documents. The original, or ribbon, copy
usually leaves the organization
in which it originated, so the carbon copy becomes the copy of record.

It has been shown (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)(Footnote 2) that permanence is at
least an approximate function
of the pH of an aqueous extract of the paper with correlation
coefficients ranging from
approximately 0.7 to 0.9 (4). Three pH levels, reflecting three levels
of permanence, are
specified. Extract pH as an indicator of life expectancy is not valid
if a paper has been treated
with an alkaline surface size or if an alkaline coating has been
applied.

The following would be expected to contribute significantly to the
life expectancy of manifold
papers: the use of papers with controlled acidity, or of papers
manufactured under neutral or
alkaline conditions, especially papers with a calcium carbonate filler
that absorbs acidic gases
from the atmosphere and can neutralize acidic materials formed in the
aging of paper.

This specification is based on fiber sources used in the production of
paper that contains no more
than 1 % lignin, for papers used in archives, libraries, and other
permanent records. However,
under proper conditions, (see X1.5), paper containing more than 1 %
lignin may be employed for many
other end uses in paper for records that are required to have a
substantial life expectancy.

As indicated in Appendices X1.4 and X1.5, this specification may be
used as a guide.

Footnote 2 - The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of
references at the end of this
specification.